Unabridged Marriage Certificate Assistance (South Africa)
An unabridged marriage certificate is the full, detailed record of your marriage, issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is the version foreign authorities, embassies and legal processes usually ask for.
Police Clear handles the application with Home Affairs, from preparation to collection. Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, from R7,164.50 including VAT, with express options available on request.
- Description
Description
Police Clear (Pty) Ltd is an independent document facilitation company. We do not issue marriage certificates. The Department of Home Affairs issues them.
What is an unabridged marriage certificate?
Depending on when and how you married, you may hold only an abridged certificate, which carries the basic details of the marriage, or the certificate issued by the marriage officer.
The unabridged certificate issued by Home Affairs contains the fuller details that foreign authorities, financial institutions and legal processes typically require. DIRCO also needs the Home Affairs unabridged certificate if the document is to be legalised for use abroad.
When you need an unabridged marriage certificate
- Visa and immigration applications, including spousal visas
- Emigration
- Registering your marriage abroad or other foreign legal matters
- Passport or citizenship applications
If the certificate is going abroad, it may also need an apostille.
What we handle
- Preparing and submitting the application to Home Affairs
- Checking your documents before submission
- Updates while the application is in progress
- Collecting the certificate once it is issued
What you need to start
- Your identity document
- The supporting documents that apply to your marriage, which depend on your case
Send us your details and we will tell you which supporting documents apply.
How long does an unabridged marriage certificate take?
Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, depending on your documents and Home Affairs processing times. Express options are available on request. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
Unabridged marriage certificate cost
| Unabridged marriage certificate assistance | From R7,164.50 including VAT |
| Turnaround | Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, express on request |
Pricing correct as at 16 September 2026. Prices include VAT at 15%, are quoted in South African rand, are subject to change without notice, and are indicative rather than an offer. A binding price is given in a written quotation. Any statutory fees charged by SAPS, Home Affairs or another authority are set by that authority and are payable in addition unless your quotation says otherwise. DIRCO does not charge for legalisation. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Our refund and cancellation terms are in our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an abridged and unabridged marriage certificate?
The abridged certificate carries the basic details of the marriage. The unabridged certificate is the fuller Home Affairs record, and is the one usually required for visas, emigration and registering a marriage abroad.
How long does an unabridged marriage certificate take in South Africa?
Estimated 8 to 10 weeks, depending on Home Affairs processing. Express options are available on request. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
Can I get an unabridged marriage certificate if I live abroad?
Contact us with your details and where you live, and we will talk you through how the application can be handled.
Does an unabridged marriage certificate need an apostille?
Only if the country receiving it requires one. Ask the authority you are applying to, or ask us.
This page describes a document facilitation service. It is general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements and timeframes are set by the relevant department, institution or authority, and change from time to time. Confirm them with that body before you rely on them.
